Mural I-40 Haywood (Solar Farm) Welcome Center

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is soliciting quotes under RFQ 32601-27-3 for the design, fabrication, and installation of one original mural at the I-40 Haywood County (Solar Farm) Welcome Center, Mile Marker 44 Westbound, with bids due November 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CST. The mural, approximately 14 feet high and 44 feet wide, will celebrate the music, culture, and history of Tina Turner and Sleepy John Estes and will be applied to an aluminum exterior wall. The contractor handles surface preparation, site assessment, and the cost of any lift, scaffolding, or specialized equipment needed for safe access.

Bidders must submit a mural sketch and at least one sample PDF of prior outdoor mural artwork. Proposals must include a Certificate of Insurance matching the Terms and Conditions, with $1 million in Commercial General Liability per occurrence, $1 million in Automobile Liability combined single limit, and $1 million in Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability, naming the State as certificate holder and additional insured. Proposals must also include a Department of Revenue Registration number or exemption letter. The contractor submits preliminary renderings for state review, incorporates up to three rounds of revisions, and obtains written State approval before production or installation begins.

The contractor retains copyright and moral rights to the artwork and grants the State a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display it. The contractor waives certain moral rights under 17 U.S.C. 106A, allowing the State to modify, paint, remove, or destroy the mural.

The State will award a single contract covering eight line items: design, preparation and setup labor, completion labor, site preparation, materials, equipment rental, final coating and sealant, and cleanup with photo documentation. Each line item is priced per "Each" and must include taxes, fees, overhead, and all direct and indirect costs. Payment for each phase is contingent on that phase's completion. Service dates will be determined from bids within 180 days. The State may terminate for convenience or for lack of funds. Pricing is determined from bids, and no contract value is stated in the solicitation.

Proposals are scored on General Qualifications and Experience (20 points), Tennessee Music Pathways criteria (10 points), Artistic Quality and Originality of Work (30 points), and Cost Proposal (40 points). Respondents select quote validity of 30, 60, or 90 days. Optional site visits are scheduled by contacting Pete Rosenboro at 615-741-9035 before the November 12, 2026 deadline.